HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt is about to begin a 100 day PR effort to build support for the President's health care proposal. Democrats here in Congress want to work towards reducing the number of uninsured. Unfortunately, the tax deduction proposal will do very little to assist the 47 million Americans who are now living without health insurance.

I rise today in support of H.R. 5, the College Student Relief Act, which cuts interest rates in half over the next five years for undergraduate students with subsidized loans. As a former teacher, I understand how important education is to every child. It ensures that everyone has the opportunity to succeed and to make the most of their dreams.

I rise today to thank you and to thank Mr. Pallone for his kind words.

I
would like to express my deep gratitude to my wife Adrienne, my step
daughter Tara, my friends and especially my neighbors in the 13th
Congressional District of New Jersey, who have honored me by allowing
me to represent them in Washington.